Shifting Moon Ch 8

That was the first time I learned what being trounced was. With all my strength and speed cut out from under me, I was frustrated like I hadn't been since I decided too never to be helpless again. Jasper didn't humiliate me, he was a terrific teacher and talked like he had tens of years of experience, which was weird as he was just a bit older than me.

But for an hour and a half, he bounced me all over that clearing, slapping my ribs and a few times my forehead to the point I was sure I would have handprint-style bruises. I took everything he said to heart and knew I would think over his words many times over the next few days.

We ran to the police station once the sparring was over, and we both flew through the workout like it was nothing. My body kept acting like I needed more weight but logically I knew adding more could hurt my overall progress. If I didn't know better, I would think someone was slipping me steroids or something.

When Jasper went to leave, I finally took notice of how icy the streets were. Worried I suggested Jasper not ride his bike home but let me and Bella take him to school. He could have someone bring him a change of clothes. He just laughed good-naturedly at me and said he would be fine.

When I went back to the workout room to clean it up Charlie poked his head in. "You look like you feel a whole lot better. You had me a little worried this morning."

"Yeah, Jasper and I did some sparring instead of running this morning. I think I needed my butt kicked around for a while to work my way through everything. He may not look like it, but even with his build being smaller than mine, he would stomp me flat with little effort."

Charlie looked at me and nodded his head. "Yeah, when I met them all, The Cullen's that is. He was the one I was most cautious of; his eyes have a look like I have only ever seen in old war vets. He must have had a rough time before Carlisle adopted him. Trying to protect a sister like he has, I am sure there was no shortage of fights."

I gave him a wicked smile, "So my perpetually single Uncle does know how to appreciate a good-looking girl? I was beginning to wonder."

"Don't you even start rumors like that boy, that girl is nearly the same age as my own daughter. Besides, beauty like that comes with more trouble than I want in my life."

I nodded in agreement, "Yeah that one is definitely high maintenance. I am just happy my uncle is still taking note of the flowers in the garden of Fork's is all I'm saying."

Charlie blushed, "Well stop talking and get ready for school, Bella should be getting here soon."

"In this ice, I may be better off taking a bobsled to school."

"No worries, I put her tire chains on her truck before I left for work this morning."

"You should have said something, I could have helped. I should probably learn to put them on at some point also."

Charlie nodded, "If you plan to stay here or anywhere in the north it's a good thing to learn. I will have you help next time."

I headed for the shower room and did my normal routine. Then went to wait for Bella at the door. Once she got there I walked with short slow steps until I grabbed the door of the big red monster and then I climbed in.

Bella had my favorite peanut butter pancakes in the same Tupperware as last time ready and waiting for me. "You didn't have to do this sis; I should be the one making you special foods and such. I feel terrible for hurting you, let me see your arm."

Naturally, she was wearing a jacket, and I would bet long sleeves under that, for warmth if nothing else. Her arms stayed covered to hide them from my guilty eyes.

"Stop worrying about it Thomas, besides I'm driving right now and can't show you."

We talked about normal stuff as she drove to school and parked in her usual spot. "This truck handles really good, I thought it would be so much worse than it was on the icy streets."

"You should look at your tires then and remember to thank your dad." I jumped out to look at the chains on her tires to see if they would shed some light on how they work. I was on one side of the bed and Bella was looking at the tires on the other side when I heard the sound of something heavy sliding.

I looked up to see an old minivan sliding towards us and a panicked kid in the driver's seat. He was sliding so fast that there was no way he could stop before hitting Bella's truck. Right where she was standing. As fast as I could, I moved towards her by pulling myself into the truck bed and praying I could reach any part of her to yank out of harm's way.

I reached my arm out, knowing I wasn't going to be fast enough. NOT AGAIN! My mind screamed. I kept trying to move faster and just before the van struck her, Bella disappeared.

My momentum carried me to the side where Bella had been, and I looked down to see her on the ground covered by a guy with short bronze hair. Before I could relax though I saw the van bounce off the fender of the truck and start to slide again with its momentum swinging the van front around and I realized that it would squish both Bella and the one who saved her.

No way I was going to let that happen. I put my foot on the rail of the truck bed and shoved forward in hopes that the van was off center enough that my shoulder tackle high would stop some of its momentum. If not, then my bigger body being squished to death between the vehicles should mean that the two of them would survive.

When my shoulder hit the van, I felt a snap somewhere around my shoulder/collarbone area, but I kept pushing with my legs against Bella's truck thinking that any little bit was that much more of a chance for their survival. By some miracle, the van started tipping away from the truck and the two next to it. The guy who saved Bella had his hand out toward the van, probably a reflex action to stop the inevitable. After that glance, I couldn't see them any longer as I was tumbling with the Van onto its side.

The surroundings erupted into loud noises. It was like I had my earphones on before, but suddenly I could hear screaming and shouting. I felt someone touching me asking something, but I couldn't make out what she was saying. I recognized the long bronze hair and my mind flashed to the boy covering Bella.

"The Bella… The guy and Bella. Are… are they ok?" I shifted my legs to help me slide off the van so I could check on Bella. But I must be weaker than I thought, this little girl who didn't weigh more than 130 pounds was stopping me, holding me in place.

With tears in my eyes, "You have to let me go so I can see. I won't let another one die. I tried so hard. Help me!" I begged her.

She helped me slide off the side of the van and I threw my unhurt arm over her shoulders; she then helped me walk around the van to see the guy I recognized as Edward holding Bella down and checking her head to see if she was hurt.

"They are ok!" After seeing this, the strength went out of my legs and Edythe who I had recognized earlier helped me to sit beside the truck. My left shoulder and arm dangling out of my control.

As I got comfortable, I heard Bella and Edward arguing.

"I need to check on him, he looks hurt. Let me up."

Edward had his hand on her shoulder, "You most likely have a concussion. You shouldn't be trying to move around too much right now. He isn't in any danger. You can see him."

I saw her continue to struggle with him, "It's ok Bells, you should listen to him. If you get any more hurt because of me, I will feel even worse. If that's possible."

Edythe, who was still next to me "Because of you? What are you talking about? You did more than most would think humanly possible to save your sister. You have nothing to feel bad about."

"If I hadn't told her to look at her tires, she would have never been in the way to begin with. So yes, it is my fault. Anything after that is a moot point."

"That's stupid Thomas, you didn't make the van slide towards me," Bella said from where Edward was keeping her.

I could hear the ambulance sirens in the distance. "Everything I did was useless if you hadn't gotten her out of the way first Edward. For that, you will forever have my gratitude. I looked directly at Edward as I spoke.

"I am just glad I started walking over as soon as I saw you guys get out of the truck, I couldn't remember what the homework assignment was in Biology and planned to ask Bella here. If it wasn't for that, then I never would have been able to get to her in time. Then you saved us both by hitting the van just perfectly to tip it over. We are all very lucky."

It sounded like he was getting the story straight in his head more than anything but then, I am still a bit loopy, so what do I know?

Teachers and students were everywhere around us, the gym teacher lowered himself into the Van to check up on Tyler. I now recognized him from the memory I had of the panicked driver. I also remembered all the times I saw him driving like an idiot to get attention. My money was on him trying to ice drift into the parking lot trying to look cool.

I turned my thoughts away from that idiot and turned my attention to the girl standing protectively over me. I was a bit surprised at her actions as the last time I saw her, I left her standing dazed and confused in the hallway after an argument. She truly was beautiful; I didn't want to take my eyes off her.

Once the ambulance got there, I was approached by the first guy out, but I told him to tend to my sister first. When the second guy came up to look at me. I didn't get to say anything before Edythe spoke to him.

"Hey Brad, this guy threw a shoulder block into an oncoming Van and was nearly squished between the Van and Truck. His left shoulder and arm seem to be unresponsive, and he may have a head injury. He has been saying some pretty stupid stuff since the accident."

I heard Bella giggle at Edythe's explanation of my situation. I looked over as they were putting a neck brace on her. "Laugh it up gurney girl, at least I will be walking to the ambulance."

"Not so fast." Brad said, "There is a chance you hurt your back, so you get the gurney treatment too."

I was crushed. What a humiliation.

Right about that time, there was a different-sounding siren approaching and once it stopped, I heard Charlie's panicked voice. "Bella, Thomas?"

"Over here, Dad." I heard Bella shout. "I am fine, Edward and Thomas stopped me from getting hurt, but you should check on Thomas."

Why that little traitor, sending a panicked parental figure over here? There will be retribution!

"It's fine Charlie, they are just being overprotective because we are your kids. No reason to panic."

"Will someone tell me what the hell happened without starting the conversation with how fine they are?"

The school principal hurried over to Charlie and started to provide him with witness accounts of everything that happened. After telling the principal to get some eyewitnesses to write everything down and take it to the station, Charlie escorted the ambulance to the hospital, and we were wheeled into the ER to begin an exhaustive round of tests and X-rays.

-(POV Carlisle)-

My supernatural hearing picked up the Police cruiser escorting an ambulance in to be quickly followed by another ambulance. What could have happened when both ambulances of Forks were sent to the same place and returned with sirens on?

Before I could get up to investigate, I heard two sets of footsteps headed for my door. My first children, despite them both coming to me in such a situation, I still couldn't help but smile at the thought of them. Though for the briefest of moments I feared that Edward had succumbed to his nature. But then I quickly dismissed such thoughts. Looking up at the door as it opened.

"What can I help you with?"

Edward started, "There was an accident, Bella was standing in the worst possible spot and her brother wasn't going to get to her in time… So, I ran to save her. I really RAN Carlisle. No one saw and everyone is rationalizing the situation, well except Bella. She knew I wasn't close enough to get to her. But she is accepting my version of events… For now."

After a moment to let that sink in, he continued. "Thomas was trying to protect us and was using his body as a sacrifice, first in trying to stop the Van and second as a bumper between the Van and the truck to provide me and Bella a chance to survive if he failed. In his desperation, his thoughts shouted out and I could hear them without reaching into his mind. I used his flashy action to stop and flip the van away from us. No one is suspicious at this point. At least, no one I can hear. I am sorry Carlisle, I put us all at risk."

"If we have to move on because of actions taken to save a life, then it is no fault of yours Edward, and well worth it."

Both men were surprised when Edythe hugged her brother fiercely, "Thank you for saving that idiot brother. He is too impulsive and self-sacrificing for his own good."

Edward smiled, "I can think of no one better suited to have my sisters' interest."

Edythe backed up and put her hands up, "It's not like that stupid, I just don't want to see him hurt." Both men could see the Vampire equivalent of a blush on her cheeks.

"Well, regardless. It appears I have some patients to look after." Carlisle stood up and walked out to the ER.

Behind him he heard Edythe hit Edward on the shoulder, "Don't say stuff like that, it's embarrassing."

Looks like I need to pay extra attention to this Thomas boy, Carlisle told himself.

As soon as he entered the ER a nurse came to him with a frown. "Dr. Carlisle, I think we got a bad batch of thermometers. The boy, Thomas keeps coming back with a temp of 103.4 but he doesn't present with any symptoms of a fever that high."

Carlisle thinks quickly about the hot temperature of the local Quileute tribe. "It is possible he has some form of jewelry that is throwing the thermometer off. Don't worry, I will look after him." His quick excuse is enough to quiet any suspicion of the nurse.

He lets his staff run their tests as he isn't needed for the everyday operational stuff. Edythe approaches him just as Thomas is wheeled out of the X-Ray room. Moments later the film is out and Carlisle puts it in the light frame to see better. "Hmm, I see his shoulder is out of the socket and it looks like his color bone was broken a week or two ago."

"That's not possible. He lifts weights every day and spent all morning wrestling Jasper. Besides, I heard bone break when he hit that van."

"Well, Edythe my dear. The collarbone is one of the fastest to heal in the human body at 3-6 weeks, but it's been barely an hour since the accident. Very interesting. I will have to pop his arm back into the socket and he will make a full recovery." He decided to keep his theory to himself for now.

Edward appears as soon as the film for Bella does and all 3 look it over. "Good job my son. Very little damage, well new damage anyway. Look at all those healed contusions. How many times has this poor girl fallen or been dropped on her head as a child?"

The final film showed up and Carlisle found a broken arm and a solid concussion, so Tyler would be an overnight patient. "Well, let's go spread the news and set an arm back in its socket."

"Give me a minute to prepare her, as soon as she sees us, Bella will start adding things together."

"Well, I am going to see Thomas, so you do what you want Ed." Edythe walks past her father and brother going straight into the room. Both men smile and shake their heads.

As Edythe entered, she heard Thomas talking so she stopped to listen.

"Now you know the possible consequences of driving like an idiot. That crap belongs on the track or in the movies, not in the school parking lot to try and impress girls. You could have killed Bella and Edward."

Tyler was just sitting in silence letting Thomas have at him. He knew he deserved it and more. He shuddered at the thought of killing someone.

Bella was lying down with her eyes closed to avoid the conversation. Edythe smirked at the neck brace that was stuffed under the bed's nightstand. Edward walked in and Tyler started talking to him, but Edythe tuned them out and walked to Thomas.

"How are you feeling Thomas?" This was the first time she had spoken his name to address him, it gave her a faint tingle in her belly.

"I am good Edythe, other than I'm in a hospital. I never cared for these places."

A quick flash of memory from when she was in the sick ward in the early 1900's, and she nodded her head in understanding. His speaking her name also made that tingle in her stomach bigger.

"My Dad should be in here any second to explain everything. He says you will make a full recovery." She knew she wasn't supposed to say that, but it made her feel good to do so.

As soon as she finished talking, the door opened again and in walked one of the most attractive men I had ever seen. Most noticeable was his skin tone which like all the Cullen's I have seen so far, was marble white. He was 6ft 2in with a medium build. Collar length blond hair and one of those faces that you would believe was 20 if they said so or 35 if that's what they said. His eyes were incredibly gentle looking and their color was a golden brown.

"Your family's skincare regime has to be very expensive," I told Edythe.

She gave a wry smile, "You wouldn't believe what it costs Thomas."

Edythe's Dad first stopped to talk to Bella and Edward. After which, those two left the room. I could tell by the set of Bella's jaw that she was going to show Edward her stubborn side and I almost felt sorry for him. Almost, better if he learns about it early.

Next was Tyler where I heard him say, "You, young man will be staying with us the night. Your left arm is broken and in need of setting as well as a cast. You also have a concussion that we will have to keep an eye on. Your mother is on her way so just sit tight."

"Finally, we have the young man who potentially saved my son. I can not express my gratitude enough for what you were willing to do. I have heard the accounts of your actions and all I can say is that my family owes you a debt. If you are ever in need of anything, please don't hesitate to let us know."

"Please Dr. Cullen, you can't speak to me of depts without bringing up your son saving my sister. We are even, with me still owing a lot to your family if we are keeping score."

Dr. Cullen smiled, "Please call me Carlisle. Now I will need to set your arm back into its socket. It will be painful if you resist its movement so try and relax as much as you can." Dr. Cullen took Thomas's left hand in his right and his left hand grabbed Thomas's elbow. "Now deep breath and relax, then I will count to three and move it back into place. Ready?"

I nodded my head and took a deep breath and let it out to totally relax my body. I knew I had to stay loose so I didn't breathe in another breath.

Dr. Cullen looked me in the eye, "I will start counting now... Three!" He gave my arm an expert shove and twist and my shoulder popped, and then felt better instantly. Then the swelling started to set in, and I rotated it a bit to get a feel for it.

"Thanks doc, it feels much better. Nice trick by the way."

"You are free to head home Thomas, just take some Motrin for the swelling. If you feel anything off, don't hesitate to come back."

Dr. Cullen looked at Edythe, "Do you want to go see if Charlie and Bella are still here? I want to make sure and tell them what to watch for with Thomas and make sure she told Chief Swan about her light concussion. Thanks"

As Edythe left the room, Carlisle turned on a monitor beside the bed so no one could hear what he was asking besides Thomas. "Do you by chance have any relation to the Quileute tribe Thomas?"

Thomas thought for a moment, "I remember my mother telling me a story about my great-grandmother on my father's side being an Indian princess, but she never said the word Quileute to me. I think her name was Elaraim Black before she married an Easterner after being banished from her tribe.

"Thanks for answering me, and if you will take my recommendation. No working out, not even running for a minimum of three days. Then go easy and if you feel any pain stop doing what you are doing and give it more time to heal before trying it again."

Just after that, I saw Edythe lead Charlie into the room. The first to catch his eye was Tyler. "You can kiss your license goodbye for a good long time son." He then turned to Dr. Cullen and practically bowed to him for taking care of his kids. I didn't hear much more after that because Edythe came to talk to me.

She reached out for my shoulder before thinking better of it and dropping her hand. "How are you feeling Thomas?"

The way she said my name made my belly turn over and brought a smile to my face. "Well, I am glad your dad didn't make me cry in front of you. I don't think my pride could take the blow. Bad enough you saw me loaded on a gurney by two men complaining about having to lift me into an ambulance."

She laughed at that, and Thomas was lost in her smile and the sound of her laughter. "Do me a favor and let Jasper know that your dad has banned me from working out until the weekend. Would you?"

Before she could answer, Charlie came over. "You ready to head home sport? I need to get you and Bella settled and get back to work."

"Sure, nothing like a good excuse to skip school. We should probably get someone to drive Bella's truck to the house, so we have a ride to school tomorrow."

Edythe quickly spoke up. "I can do that if you get me the keys. I can drop it off and Edward can follow to take me home."

"That is awfully nice of you Edythe, I will get the keys for you. But don't bring it back until after school. Don't use it as an excuse to miss more school than is necessary."

"Sure thing, Chief Swan," Edythe answered.

We both followed Charlie out of the room but as we passed Tyler I whispered, "I'll get him to back off on taking your license. But you need to be better behind the wheel."

At the time, I had no idea that Edythe planned to make sure Tyler would never break a traffic law again unless it was an emergency.

As Charlie drove us home, he warned us. "When you get home, the first thing you need to do is call Renee."

Bella panicked, imagining the freakout her mother was having. "You told her?"

Charlie just looked at her like Duh I had to, it's a parent thing.

I stepped in politely, "No worries, I'll call her first thing."

Bella gave me an appreciative look and said nothing more. She seemed angry at something or someone.

Once we got there Charlie waited until we were both inside before leaving to go back to work.

I went directly to the phone and dialed Renee's cell. When she picked up, she was even more excitable than I expected. "Hey Aunt Renee, I am fine. Bella has loads to tell you though. Remember to ask about Edward." I then handed the phone over to Bella as she had a betrayed look on her face. "That's for sending Charlie after me at the school!"

Then I went to my room to lie down and relax a bit, leaving Bella to calm down her mother.

-(POV Carlisle)-

I picked up the phone and dialed a number I had only used once before. At that time, it was to let the heir of Ephraim Black know that we were going to be near their territory once again and confirm the existence of the treaty. The fear in his voice caused me some pain but I understood it was better to be weary of my kind than open themselves up to a potential slaughter again.

After four rings it was picked up. "Black residence." An aged but happy voice answered.

Carlisle hated the discomfort that he was bringing to this man with his voice alone. "Hello, Chief Black. This is Carlisle Cullen." He heard the deep intake of breath as his words registered to the man on the other side of the phone.

"I came across something I thought I should report to you and the Tribe, in consideration of the treaty. There was a young man brought to the ER today who healed a collarbone break in an hour and whose temperature was almost 104 when he checked out. His name is Thomas Raizel, and he is the nephew of Police Chief Swan. When I asked about any connection to the Quileute tribe, he mentioned a family story with the name Elaraim Black. He said he was told she was his great-grandmother. I understand your reluctance to interact with me, but I thought this important enough that you would want to hear about it."

"Did you say he is the nephew of Charlie Swan?" Came a tense reply.

"I did, the young man in question came along with Mr. Swan's daughter when she returned to town."

"So, the boy has only been in Forks for less than two weeks and he is already… Thank you for this information." The phone went dead after that.

Carlisle sighed at the abrupt ending of the call. Now he had to decide what to tell his own family, especially Edythe. He knew he had to meet the rest of his family at home to keep control of the conversation today's events would cause.